Thought the dermatitis had turned into a helminth infection

The red spots on the baby’s skin disappeared when using antihistamine and anti-inflammatory drugs, then recurred. On October 11, Dr. Tran Thi Thu Thao, Department of Pediatrics, Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, assessed that the baby had symptoms similar to skin allergies, but with prolonged loose stools and indigestion. Other possible causes. Tests of blood, stool, sputum… then confirm helminth infection.

The child takes deworming medicine according to the regimen, is monitored at home and has follow-up examinations as directed. The baby’s mother said that before, the baby ate well, breastfed well, and gained weight regularly. The family does not raise dogs or cats, cleans the house regularly, and does not think the child is infected with worms.

Doctor Thao explained that children can be infected with helminths through food or through an intermediary. Relatives who come into contact with dogs and cats and hug children can potentially spread the disease. In young children who are not old enough to be dewormed regularly, the disease has symptoms that are easily confused with common skin diseases.

According to Dr. Thao, parasitic infections are common in children, especially preschoolers (under 6 years old), but are easily overlooked. This disease is common in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. Worms, flukes, fleas, lice, ticks, lice… penetrate the digestive tract, soil, skin, from animals and live parasitically in humans. If not treated and detected promptly, the disease can cause damage to the liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, malnutrition, anemia… Children with underlying immunodeficiency diseases can lead to death.

Dr. Thao recommends that parents take their children to the doctor if they have symptoms of hives, persistent itching that does not go away, accompanied by fever, digestive disorders, weight loss, and anemia. Parasite testing helps accurately detect the type of parasites present in the child’s body, thereby providing an appropriate treatment regimen.

Prevent the disease by eating well-cooked food, drinking boiled water, washing hands and feet, keeping the body clean, cutting nails neatly, and limiting children’s thumb sucking. Children of age should be dewormed regularly as recommended.